SaferShield is a technique developed by SaferGardens to control pests and pathogens (i.e., maintain their populations at manageable levels) by actively suppressing them to low, acceptable levels and then using biological methods, primarily entomopathogenic bacteria or fungi, to sustain control.
(a) Low intervention frequency to maintain control
(b) Zero impact on pollinators, fish, animals, and amphibians
(c) No residue buildup in the soil, water, or crop produce.
We developed SaferShield for Cocoa to target the "Big 4", primary fungal diseases affecting cocoa: Witches' Broom (Moniliophthora perniciosa), Frosty Pod Rot (Moniliophthora roreri), Black Pod Disease (Phytophthora spp.), and Vascular Streak Dieback (Ceratozamia colombiana). These diseases are notorious for causing growers to experience significant yield losses, reducing global cocoa production by up to 30-40% annually, and lowering the quality and economic value of the crop.
SaferShield was developed using our Arrest, Suppress, and Control Design Protocol, which breaks down the treatment response into three specific phases, each with its independent products, procedures, and functions:
ARREST Phase: Immediately halt the damage caused by the pest or pathogen in the treatment zone.
SUPPRESS Phase: Actively lower the population of the pest or pathogen in the treatment area.
CONTROL Phase: Maintain the pest or pathogen at or below suppressed levels, allowing them to be managed without frequent intervention.
The resulting SaferShield technique is cost-effective and easily deployed, with entomopathogenic bacteria and fungi being used as the primary means to establish control. Notably, SaferShield is novel as it does not require the phytosanitary removal of infected material, nor are regular interval treatments necessary to control the pathogenic fungi. In addition, SaferShield is designed to establish control even in areas with high disease pressure.
